STCW Basic Firefighting Practice Exam 2025 - Free Firefighting Practice Questions and Study Guide

When a person encounters smoke in a compartment, staying low to the ground is essential because smoke rises. The air nearer to the floor is generally clearer and contains less harmful gas, reducing the risk of inhalation injuries. Staying low allows the individual to breathe more easily and improves the chances of finding a safe exit without being overwhelmed by smoke.

In addition to breathing more easily, approaching the exit while remaining close to the ground provides better visibility, as smoke often obscures vision at higher levels. This strategy supports effective navigation out of the hazardous area.

Other approaches, such as running to the nearest exit, may lead to panic and could expose the individual to greater risk from the smoke. Similarly, screaming for help can waste valuable time and might not be productive in a dangerous situation. Using a flashlight could seem helpful, but if the smoke is dense, visibility may be limited, reducing the effectiveness of such an aid.